What is Meant by Quick Links Wireless?
“Quick links” are website links of frequently used application pages that enable users to complete common actions. Each quick link creates a shortcut to a webpage or an online document.
However, when people add the word “wireless” after the phrase “quick links”, they usually refer to the wireless service provider called Q Link Wireless.
Quick links is not a wireless provider but a collection of online links. Q Link Wireless, on the other hand, is an American telecommunications company that offers prepaid mobile phone services and free wireless services to Lifeline and the Affordable Connectivity Program-eligible customers. As such, quick links and Q Link Wireless are two very different things, however, due to the similar name, people sometimes confuse them.
Is Quick Links Wireless a Wireless Provider? Can I Get a Free Phone From Quick Links Wireless?
Quick Links is not a wireless provider, but a collection of online links. However, the phrase “Quick Links Wireless” usually mistakenly refers to the wireless provider called Q Link Wireless.
As “quick links” is not a wireless provider, it is not possible to receive a free phone or free monthly service from it. Nevertheless, if we are talking about Q Link Wireless, the answer is yes – you can receive a free government phone from Q Link Wireless.
Why Do People Search for Quick Links Wireless Online?
When people search only for the term “quick links” they may be referring to what the phrase actually stands for – a collection of online links to websites, apps, and online documents.
Nevertheless, when people search for the term “Quick Links Wireless” online, they are usually looking for Q Link Wireless. Perhaps users assume that the “Q” in Q Link stands for “Quick”, however, this is not the case. In fact, it is unknown whether the “Q” in Q Link stands for anything other than the letter Q itself. As people believe that Q Link Wireless is just an abbreviation of “Quick Links Wireless”, they search for the latter.
Is Quick Links the Same as Q Link Wireless?
As there is so much talk about both “Quick Links” and “Q Link Wireless” you may be confused about whether or not they are actually the same. The answer is no and yes.
No, because Q Link is not just an abbreviation of “quick links”. The first is a telecommunications company and the second is a collection of online links and the two have absolutely nothing in common other than the similar name.
And yes, because when people search for “Quick Links Wireless” or “Quick Links Wireless free phone”, they actually refer to “Q Link Wireless” and “Q Link Wireless free phone”.
How Can I Get a Free Phone if Quick Links Wireless Is Not a Wireless Provider?
As “quick links” is not a wireless provider, searching for a “Quick Links Wireless free phone” doesn’t make any sense. Instead, in order to receive a free phone from the government, you must look for actual wireless Lifeline providers, such as Q Link Wireless and others. Unlike “quick links” actual wireless Lifeline providers really do offer free government phones to eligible customers.
Now, what are Lifeline providers? Lifeline is a government assistance program established in the 1980s by the FCC and designed to help make communications services more affordable for low-income people. Telecommunications companies and wireless providers, such as Q Link Wireless, can, if they wish to do so, participate in the Lifeline assistance program and if they do, they receive funds and financial support from the government, which enables them to offer free monthly phone and/or internet services to eligible low-income households and individuals. Lifeline providers offer a discount on qualifying monthly telephone service, broadband Internet service, or bundled voice-broadband packages of up to $9.25 (or $34.25 for eligible households living on Tribal lands). In addition, many Lifeline providers also offer a free government phone to qualifying households.
There are many wireless providers that offer free Lifeline services and phones throughout the country. To find one that offers free phones in your state of residence, go to lifelinesupport.org/companies-near-me, press ‘Search Providers’, enter your ZIP code or city and state, and you will receive a list of Lifeline providers in your area.
How to Qualify for Lifeline and Receive a Free Phone if Quick Links Wireless Free Phone Is Not Available?
As we have previously established, you cannot receive a “quick links” wireless free phone, as “quick links” is not a wireless provider. However, you can receive a free government phone from any other Lifeline provider that offers free devices in your area. To do so, you must follow these simple steps:
First, you have to make sure that you are Lifeline-eligible. To participate in the Lifeline assistance program, you must be at least 18 years old or an emancipated minor. In addition, you must meet the FCC’s strict Lifeline eligibility criteria. According to the government rules, a household or a household member is eligible if they meet at least one of the following eligibility criteria:
- The annual household income is at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines.
- A household member participates in one of the following qualifying federal assistance programs:
- Medicaid
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as Food Stamps
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)
- Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit
- A household member participated in one of the following qualifying Tribal assistance programs:
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
- Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (Tribal TANF)
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations
- Head Start (only households meeting the income qualifying standard)
Secondly, you must collect the documents that prove your Lifeline eligibility. Depending on your eligibility criteria and other personal information the government may be unable to verify, you will have to prove it by providing unexpired official documents that contain the relevant information.
- To prove your annual household income, you must provide an official document that includes your full legal name and income information, such as a current income statement from your employer, paycheck stubs, prior year’s state, federal, or Tribal tax return, Unemployment or Workers’ Compensation statement of benefits, child support, divorce decree, etc.
- To prove your program participation, you must provide an official document that includes your full legal name, the program name, the name of the establishment that issued the document, and an issue date within the last year or a future expiration date, such as a benefit verification letter, benefit award letter, approval letter, statement of benefits, etc.
- To prove your identity or age, you must provide an official document that includes your full legal name and your date of birth, such as a government, military, state, or Tribal ID, passport, Birth Certificate, driver’s license, etc. Emancipated minors must also prove their emancipated minor status with a court document or a certificate of emancipation.
- To prove your address, you must provide an official document that includes your full legal name and physical address, such as a valid government, state, or Tribal ID, driver’s license, utility bill, mortgage, etc.
- Customers may also be asked to provide their Social Security Number, Tribal ID Number, and/or proof of life.
Thirdly, you must apply for the Lifeline government assistance program. You can apply online or via mail.
- To apply online, visit nv.fcc.gov/lifeline. Choose your state of residence and press ‘Get Started’. You will be redirected to the official Lifeline application form. Fill it out by providing all the required personal information and proof documentation. At the end of the form, press ‘Submit’.
- To apply via mail, visit lifelinesupport.org/wp-content/uploads/documents/get-lifeline/LI_Application_NVstates.pdf. Print out a Lifeline application form and fill it out manually. Add the proof documentation and send the entire package to Lifeline Support Center, PO Box 7082, London, KY 40742.
Lastly, you must find a Lifeline provider in your area that offers free government phones. You can do so by visiting lifelinesupport.org/companies-near-me or by reviewing some of the best Lifeline free phone providers in the country and hoping that they offer services in your area.
If Quick Links Does Not Offer Free Phones, What Other Providers Offer Free Phones?
Here is the list of some of the best Lifeline participants and free phone providers in the country. Visit their websites or use this link (lifelinesupport.org/companies-near-me) to see if they also offer free phones in your area. Below, you can see how to apply for their services.
Q Link Wireless
Q Link Wireless is a government benefit program provider that offers free monthly services with unlimited data, unlimited talk, unlimited text, unlimited picture messages, and in some areas, free government phones. The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) customers (Lifeline subscribers automatically qualify for the ACP as well) can also receive a new tablet for just $10.01.
To apply, visit qlinkwireless.com, enter your ZIP code and email address, and press ‘Get It Now’. Follow the on-screen prompts to fill out the application form. If approved, you will be notified via email.
Cintex Wireless
While most Lifeline providers offer entry-level to mid-range Android smartphones and do not allow customers to choose the free phone model in advance, Cintex Wireless offers a huge variety of free government phones, including Android smartphones, Apple iPhones, and basic flip phones. You can see the company’s selection of free phones at cintexwireless.com/free-phone and choose the device that best fits your needs yourself. The company also offers a free unlimited plan with free talk, text, and high-speed data.
To enroll, visit cintexwireless.com and press ‘Apply Now’. Enter your ZIP code and if their services are available in your area, you will be redirected to your state’s offer. If not, you may be informed that one of their affiliate companies (NewPhone Wireless or AirTalk Wireless) offers free phones in your area instead. Select your plan and complete the application form.
StandUp Wireless
StandUp Wireless is another popular, nationwide Lifeline (and ACP provider). At StandUp, eligible customers may receive free wireless services with unlimited talk and text, unlimited data (10GB of high-speed data), nationwide coverage, and a free phone. ACP subscribers can also receive a one-time ACP discount on tablets (a new tablet for only $10.01).
To sign up, visit standupwireless.com, enter your ZIP code and email address, press ‘Begin Application’, and follow the prompts to fill out and submit the application form.
SafeLink Wireless
SafeLink Wireless is a Lifeline and ACP provider that offers unlimited calls and texts, calls to Canada and Mexico, 25GB of high-speed data, 5GB of hotspot data, and a free smartphone.
Apply by visiting safelinkwireless.com/Enrollment/Safelink/en/Web/www/default/index.html#!/newHome, entering your ZIP code, and pressing ‘Start’. You will then be redirected to the company’s online application form. Complete and submit it.
enTouch Wireless
enTouch is another government benefit provider that offers free services and phones in many U.S. states. The company offers monthly services with free unlimited talk, text, and data, and a free 5.5-inch smartphone.
To sign up, visit entouchwireless.com/#. Press ‘Enroll Now’, choose your state, choose your plan, press ‘Enroll Now’, and fill out your application form by providing all the required information and documentation.